A Guide To Broadway's Hits And Misses

You're a theater-lover from Connecticut and you're taking a trip to Manhattan to catch some shows, or perhaps you're thinking of a holiday gift of tickets to someone. So you pick up a copy of "Time Out New York,'' turn to the theater listings page and become overwhelmed. What to choose, what to choose?

If you're looking at a show for Aunt Tulip…: Want a sure thing for theatergoers of a certain age, if not a certain era? Then the revival of "On the Town" is a sure crowd-pleaser. Hartt School grad Phillip Boykin opens the show with his glorious basso voice followed by the rest of the stellar cast, which brightens the theater for the next 2 1/2 hours, belting out the songs, dancing like demons and getting the yucks from the carefree book and lyrics by the incomparable Betty Comden and Adolph Green. But I'm surprised the show is not being marketed for possessing the largest orchestra in town because to hear Leonard Bernstein's glorious score at full tilt is reason enough to go. It's a helluva show (onthetownbroadway.com; (877-250-2929).

For romantics "Once" is not enough: For those yearning for a smart and compelling love story — think of that quirky musical valentine "Once" — but with a social context and showbiz sweep, it's "The Last Ship." Frankly the subject matter didn't appeal to me (the declining fortunes of a shipbuilding town in England) but once I got caught up in the song, spectacle and especially the love story, I was hooked. Yes, the logic of the narrative is a bit hard to take (the collection kitty at the church really isn't enough to build a humongo ship) but hey, think of it as a fable and just go for a theatrical ride. The score by Sting is the best I've ever heard by a pop composer writing for the stage and there are tunes that will delight, haunt and make your heart soar. Because the show is not strong at the box office, Sting will join the show starting Dec. 9 to boost ticket sales, which amounts to a bonus for all. (www.thelastship.com; 877-250-2929).

Just for laughs: Is there anything more delicious than Nathan Lane dishing the dirt? Lane and a mostly stellar cast (including a hilarious Stockard Channing, Megan Mullally and Rupert Grint from the "Harry Potter" movies) pump up the yucks in Terrence McNally's "It's Only a Play," a thin show-biz comedy that should have been an hour shorter. Lane leaves the show in January, succeeded by Martin Short. Alas, Matthew Broderick who phones in his performance — again — remains but Micah Stock (so good in '4,000 Miles" at Long Wharf Theatre earlier this year) makes a terrific Broadway debut (itsonlyaplay.com; 800-447-7400).

Beat the rush: Now in previews during the holidays is a the new musical "Honeymoon in Vegas." The show was well received when it played the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. The music is by Jason Robert Brown, one of the best composers in the biz, and the show stars the very likable Tony Danza. Word of mouth is strong on this one. Also an over-all people pleaser. (www.honeymoonbroadway.com; 877-250-2929)

And for the non-musical theater-goer: There are two best bets. The first is "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," the acclaimed London import about a gifted boy with Asperger's who sets out to solve a mystery. (If you caught this when it was presented as part of National Theatre Live film series earlier this year it would have only cost you $20.) The second recommendation is the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Disgraced" by Ayad Akhtar, this domestic-social drama about cultural simulation is a stunner. It also stars Deep River native Gretchen Mol. (www.curiousonbroadway.com; 212-239-6200)

For the star gazer:Hugh Jackman returns to Broadway in a serious elliptical drama "The River''. If you want singing and dancing Hugh, this is not the show for you, but if you like enigmatic drama with star power, then this is it. (Just be ready to elbow those who look like they're on the verge of yelling out "I love you Hugh.") Other shows for the star-inclined are James Earl James starring in the revival of Kaufman and Hart's comedy "You Can't Take It With You;" John Lithgow, Glenn Close and Martha Plimpton in the revival of "A Delicate Balance" and Candice Bergen and Alan Alda in A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters." (theriveronbroadway.com; 212-239-6200).

Off the beaten path: Think off-Broadway for some of the most exciting shows. My number one pick for the coolest show around — and one that your kids will be impressed that you are even aware of — is "Here Lies Love," the collaboration by David Byrne (ex of the Talking Heads) Fatboy Slim and director (and Yale grad) Alex Timbers. It's about the rise of Imelda Marcos and it's set in a Philippine disco with the audience moving about following the action around the theater space. (Wear comfortable shoes.) It's the show that even Eva Peron would love but it closes Jan. 3, so hurry. (www.herelieslove.com; 212-967-7555).

For the truly fabulous among you… there's "Lypsinka! The Trilogy," three off-Broadway shows in rep starring John Epperson's iconic drag creation Lypsinka. These very funny, stylish and stylized shows end Jan. 3. (www.lypsinka.com; 212-967-7555)

Also recommended are: the new musical by Gabriel Kahane ("February House") "The Ambassador," (www.bam.org; 718.636.4100) based on his new album and directed by John Tiffany ("Once") at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (but only Dec. 10 to 13); "Father Comes Home from the War, Parts 1, 2 & 3" by Suzan-Lori Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") but ending Dec. 7. And starting Jan. 20 is an off-beat look at a founding father, "Hamilton" by Lin Manuel Miranda ("In the Heights") and directed by Thomas Kail, both Wesleyan grads.(www.publictheater.org; 212-539-8500).

Old friends from last season:Michael C. Hall (TV's "Dexter") is the latest tortured transgendered rock singer in this solid revival "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" — but the star of the original off-Broadway production, John Cameron Mitchell, takes over Jan. 21(www.hedwigbroadway.com/(855) 568-3904); "Kinky Boots" (www.kinkybootsthemusical.com; 212-239-6200 is a cross-over hit, but then again it's coming to the Bushnell in Hartford this season, ditto the terrific "Pippin" and "Once" — and my guess is that "Beautiful" will be making a Connecticut run some time next season. For youngsters, there's still "Matilda" and "Aladdin" but nothing kid-centric new so far (broadway.com; 800-Broadway).

Another sure bet that has been running a year is last season's Tony Award-winner for best musical, "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," (www.agentlemansguidebroadway.com; 212-239-6200) Of course you could have seen it at Hartford Stage when you had the chance — but did you listen to me?